Today's lesson comes from Deuteronomy 10: 12-22; 11: 1. If one would read the verses between last week's lesson and this one, you would see that Moses had reminded the children of Israel that God would surely drive out the inhabitants of Canaan. However, this would not occur because of Israel's righteousness. During the years following the exodus from Egypt there had been a reoccuring theme by the Israelites of doubt, unbelief, and disobedience followed by God's mercy. God's continued mercy had finally brought the nation to a point of entering the Promised Land. For study purposes, note how many times the word "love" appears in this lesson. Another interesting fact is the number of times the phrase "the LORD thy God" is found in this passage.
The first section is "What Does God Require?" vv. 12, 13 When we consider the mercy which God has shown us and the many blessings which He has bestowed upon us, it is only reasonable that we in response should render our lives in service to Him. This is what Moses is urging in the first portion of our lesson. Moses lists five answers to the question asked in verse 12, "What doth the LORD thy God require of thee":
1. We are to fear the LORD. A healthy fear prompts a person to a life of obedience.
2. We are to "walk in all his ways." Our lives are to conform to His will, not our own. We are not to be self-serving.
3. We are to "love the LORD thy God." The name "Deuteronomy" means "second giving of the law" yet the book frequently mentions the word "love." Today's lesson mentions "love" five times. Love and fear are to be coupled together for the best results.
4. We are to "serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart." The best service we render to God is when it is performed from a heart that sincerely loves God. Out of a heart of love flows service.
5. We are to "keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes." By being obedient to what God had commanded, they would have a blessed and victorious life. Their obedience would be "for thy good." Personal and social well-being would follow.
The second section is "A People Beloved." vv. 14- 19 In this portion of the lesson, we see God's love for Israel, the fatherless, the widow, and the stranger. Our God is indeed the God of love. Therefore, we must love Him sincerely. That is just one reason why you need a sanctified heart. Unless your heart has been cleansed from the sin nature, your obedience will be incomplete and our service will be self-centered.
Verse 14 conveys the idea of the infinite and powerful God that we serve. The "heaven of heavens is the LORD's" denotes the expanse of space beyond human comprehension beyond the sight provided by telescopes. The immensity of God's creation is beyond our ability to comprehend. Verse 15 explains that this wonderful loving God chose the patriarchs and their descendants (the children of Israel) to be the recipients of His love, His laws, and His ordinances of worship. Verse 16 is a command to circumcise your heart which refers to removing the carnal nature. This occurs when one is entirely sanctified. Without the circumcision of the heart, true fear and love of God is impossible. Verse 17 is a summary of the greatness of our God. Verse 18 explains that those with no one to defend them will find in God a Refuge and a Defender. He will execute justice for them. Verse 19 reminds the Israelites of their prior bondage and they are to be kind to strangers living in the land. How we treat others gives evidence of the condition of our hearts.
The third section is "Therefore, Love the Lord." vv. 20-11: 1 In the closing verses of the lesson, Moses returns to the theme of challenging the Israelites to a life of love for God and total obedience. He cites what God has done for them as reasons for serving God. We should remember all that God has done for us. Because of His blessings, our love for Him should be strong, and our obedience to Him should be heartfelt.
In verse 20, Moses gives a fourfold directive: fear the Lord, serve Him, cling to Him and to swear by his name. In verse 21, we see that Israel's praise was found in their vital relationship with God. Verse 22 reminded the Israelites of their humble beginnings. In chapter 11 verse 1 gives the charge to Love the LORD, and be obedient to His laws and commands.
The Golden Text is: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14: 15) True love brings obedience. I remember years ago having to travel from Virginia to California for a week for business purposes. My wife didn't go with me. Someone asked me on my return whether I had gone to downtown Los Angeles to visit. I said "no" because my wife was 3000 miles away and I wanted to avoid all appearance of evil. The person said, "But, your wife wouldn't know." My response was that I love my wife and that love keeps me from anything that could appear compromising. It is the same with God. Our love for Him should make us want to obey Him at all times. How is your love for Him?
My summary points:
1. Obedience to God produces a victorious life.
2. A sanctified heart brings obedience.
3. If you love God, you will obey Him.
Next week: "Instructions for a King." (Deuteronomy 17: 14- 20
Please read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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